Crans-Montana was founded when two friends, Louis Antille and Michel Zufferey, who lived down in the valley, fell in love with this majestic plat, and opened the first hotel, Le Parc, in 1893, marking the beginning of the history of the entire region. The exceptional air quality and sunshine gave rise to sanatoriums from 1899 onwards. Following this came the era of golf from 1906, and then skiing, with the first downhill race in 1911, and the beginning of “modern” skiing from 1950 onwards.
It was during this post-war period that the Haut-Plateau experienced a boom in tourism, with significant improvements to access roads and the construction of numerous tourist establishments and infrastructure. The Valais Chamber of Commerce estimated that there was around CHF 30 million a year of construction work in the Crans-Montana region alone. It was following this period that Crans-Montana reached a peak, with the 1987 World Ski Championships, which put the destination on the map worldwide and created an unprecedented buzz.
At the start of the millennium, it was time to move closer together. The tourist offices set the example by joining forces in 1997, followed by the ski lift companies in 1999, and then the Association of Municipalities of Crans-Montana was created in 2008, bringing together and managing the common interests, specifically tourism, of the different municipalities in the area.
Today, Crans-Montana is an attractive mountain destination, attracting visitors from all over the world thanks to its spectacular views, four-season activities and its modern infrastructure. While its international reputation is closely linked to the major events it organises, Crans-Montana is also an attractive economic hub, with thriving restaurants, hotels and boutiques. This urban lifestyle, coupled with a varied and charming natural setting, makes Crans-Montana a highly sought-after holiday destination in the heart of the Alps.
A number of history and culture buffs have delved into Crans-Montana's past and published books on the subject.
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